Part 1: Understanding Osteoporosis

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A family history of osteoporosis IS a significant factor in determining a person's risk for developing this disease. According to Dr. Miriam Nelson in her book, "Strong Women, Strong Bones," peak bone mass is determined 60 - 70% by genetic factors. If either parent had osteoporosis and suffered a fracture, their adult children are at elevated risk. And if a sibling is diagnosed with osteoporosis, that also increases a person's risk.

Dr. Nelson further states that if a parent/sibling developed osteoporosis relatively early in life, the risk for subsequently developing it is even higher. For instance, if your mother fractured her hip after the age of 80, you have double the average risk of developing osteoporosis due to genetic factors. However, if your mother fractured her hip at a younger age, say between the ages of 60 and 70, a person's risk is three times higher than usual.